November 24, 2010

I knew I needed to read this biography when I read a review of it in a magazine. The book, which focuses on Author Dean Koontz's life after he adopts a former assistance dog called Trixie, was described as an uplifting book and very different to Koontz's fictional works. I haven't read many of his novels, but I always find it interesting when an artist of any kind produces multiple works of different tones. For the most part, I wasn't disappointed. A Big Little Life takes you through Trixie's life and the effect she has on the Koontz household, with particular emphasis on the inspiration she becomes for Dean's writing. Infact, the book probably tells us as much about Dean Koontz as it does about Trixie. Partly humorous, partly serious, and very philosophical about dogs and life in general, the only flaw I could see was that as the work was written thematically it was sometimes difficult to keep track of the order of events. All-in-all this was an interesting book filled wonder and instances that demonstrate how important animals are to the humans that care for them.

November 09, 2010

Many films claim to be something the whole family can enjoy but in truth really only appeal to a portion of your family. This IS a film that is multigenerational. Because of Winn-Dixie is a film based on the book of the same title by Kate DiCamillo and follows the story of a lonely misfit named Opal and her new dog Winn-Dixie (named after the supermarket she finds him in). It is with Winn-Dixie's friendship that Opal is able to heal her relationship with her father, ask questions about her mother and get to know other isolated and eccentric individuals in the town.

This film has many layers and can be enjoyed as a simple story about a girl and her dog. For those who want more, it's a story about family, forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of friendship. Both the dvd and book are available from Camden or Narellan Libraries.